Monkey Mayhem 

This is the easiest lead at Malibu Creek S.P. It is only about 5.3. Fine for beginners & new leaders, it can easily be climbed in regular shoes.

Putting new climbers on a route this chossy is just plain mean for the belayer. I'd wear football pads and a full helmet if I were you.

Where is this route? Any photos anywhere? I'm looking for an easy first lead route and this sounds pretty good. I know where Chopping Block is. Where is this route from Chopping Block? Thanks... John

John, I don't know where it is relative to chopping block (only climbed malibu once, and didn't have a guidebook), but if you're in the Stumbling Blocks area, head east past all the 5.10/5.11 climbs (back towards the trail) and there's a big slabby wall that borders the creek. You belay from a cliffside area with a big oak tree growing out of it. Can't miss it.

Definitely a good first lead, really easy, but since it's kind of exposed you really don't want to miss the first bolt and tumble off the cliff (you're belaying 20-30 feet above the creek floor).

Hope this helps.

It may have been chossy at one time, but has cleaned up nicely. A good beginner lead.

LOCATION
The route is on your left as you scramble up into the pseduo-canyon. Scramble up an exposed (30 ft tumble if you slip) mini-ledge to the first bolt. The route starts directly up from the right edge gulley of the belay ledge.

BEWARE
Pretty easy and decently fun BUT you definitely want to be attentive on this route.

I knocked off two baseball sized pieces of choss on a casual lead, narrowly missing my belayer. One actually hit her foot. Be attentive.

Also, catches afternoon sun about halfway up.

Looked like a nice ledge above the chains. Would be fun to belay from above and have lunch. Great view.